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IFS info

I am very new and trying my best to learn the signifance of buying a coach with IFS or without.  40' is my ideal coach.  I have been doing searches on the Forumn and reading what I can find.  It seems that most things I'm finding pertain to IFS on early models.  Folks with experience with some of the newer models, could you chime in on what you think?  I'm just trying to learn and it seems they mainly started putting it on the newer models.  Also it seems that as I research it's not on all the newer models.  Why?  I realize it adds some cost but not that much in the scheme of things.  Is there a real noticeable difference in turn radius on a 38 or 40 footer?  Does it make a difference in the CCC of the coach?  If this info is already on the site some guidance on where to find it would be greatly appreciated.

Re: IFS info

Reply #1 –
Yes there is a big difference but that said I have 360k in beam axle coaches and have not had an issue yet that I could not get into a space I wanted to go.  I may have had to back up a couple times but I got in. For regular driving there is no real maneuvering difference.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: IFS info

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Delacroix –
...........If this info is already on the site some guidance on where to find it would be greatly appreciated...........
Search "IFS".  Lots of Foretravel specific history & good info.
For example:

Is IFS a better choice for a good journey?

From secondary experience with one IFS FT and several SOB's, if you like 25% improved turning radius, more complications, expense and ways for upkeep to detract from your motorhoming enjoyment, you need IFS.
Otherwise, KISS with the tried and proven solid beam.  IFS potential is desireable in a sports car/not so much in a motorcoach, ESPECIALLY in one of the very best handling low profile motorcoaches.
If you are contemplating coaches taller than 12.5 feet and need active air to keep things under control, then you should rephrase your inquiry to specify model years 2007 and up because the low profile, early 2000/2001 coach experiences won't provide much meaningful information.
JMO
Neal
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Neal (& Brenda) Pillsbury
'02 U320 SPEC, 4200, DGFE, Build #5984
'04 Gold Wing
'07 Featherlite 24'
'14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
MC #14494
Exeter, NH & LaBelle FL
Quality makes the Heart Soar long after Price is Forgotten

Re: IFS info

Reply #3 –
It appears from looking at Foretravel Specification Sheets and descriptions of the sold Foretravesl at the archives at the Foretravel website:

IFS was standard on the 2008 Phenix.

IFS was not offered on other models in 2008.

IFS was an option in 2009 on the Foretravel Nimbus CE. Not an option on other 2009 Nimbus models.

IFS became standard on all models in 2012.

As with everything Foretravel, there could be exceptions to this?

Larry


Larry and Terry
Ex 2004 U270 36'

Re: IFS info

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Delacroix –
I am very new and trying my best to learn the signifance of buying a coach with IFS or without.  40' is my ideal coach.  I have been doing searches on the Forumn and reading what I can find.  It seems that most things I'm finding pertain to IFS on early models.  Folks with experience with some of the newer models, could you chime in on what you think?  I'm just trying to learn and it seems they mainly started putting it on the newer models.  Also it seems that as I research it's not on all the newer models.  Why?  I realize it adds some cost but not that much in the scheme of things.  Is there a real noticeable difference in turn radius on a 38 or 40 footer?  Does it make a difference in the CCC of the coach?  If this info is already on the site some guidance on where to find it would be greatly appreciated.

You will find as I have that on this forum, many here are owners of coaches 2005 or earlier. There are a handful of owners with coaches 2006 and newer on this forum. While the members are well versed on almost all years of the coaches, many feel a disconnect from what Foretravel built years ago from what they building today. I bring this to you attention because if you do not get enough response from the members here, please do not take that the wrong way. Your question here has more to do with the way Foretravel is building today. I think everyone here would agree that any coach you buy that is a Foretravel is a good investment. As a owner of a newer model coach, I think many changes Foretravel made in the current models were a significant improvement over what was built years ago. Case in point - independent front suspension. Personally, if you are considering buying a used Foretravel, then I would look at the years from 2009 to present. These are the years the current management really dialed in on the product and offered wonderful advancements to an already great product.
Bob
Bob & Kathy
2007 Nimbus
Full Timers
Retired Charter Bus Owner/Operator

Re: IFS info

Reply #5 –
       Ok already ,  the IFS system---------my first three Foretravel's did not have it . My present does . Do I like it ? Yes  . Once you run it for a while and get used to it , going back would be a switch with this  being noticed . # 1 , bumps don't get transferred from one wheel to the other which means a better ride .  # 2 , turns a lot sharper , which is noticed in tight turns like city and right angle turns , and not as much , while parking anywhere . # 3 , along with this on my coach is active air , which shows up in no top heavy sway in turns . Will my next coach have all this --yes . Could I be happy without it --yes . When you have already spent more money than makes good sense , might as well get the good stuff .You know about the can't take it with you  bit etc. :) :)      Brad Metzger
Brad Metzger
2010 Phenix 45'

Re: IFS info

Reply #6 –
Well said Brad.